A GROUP of six local researchers had a thesis on orchid pollination published in the June issue of the leading British science journal Nature, the first time in Shenzhen's history, the Daily Sunshine reported Saturday (June 24).

Vice Mayor Liu Yingli congratulated the six and promised the city would reward those who get published in top science journals.

Liu Zhongjian, general manager of the Shenzhen Landscape Architecture Group and leading scientist in orchid varieties, together with Huang Laiqiang, biologist with Qinghua University Shenzhen Graduate School, led the research in spontaneous pollination of orchids.

The research, which took five years to complete, deals with a species of orchid found growing in the trunks of Yunnan forests, which can pollinate itself without the help of wind or insects. The finding is significant in helping people understand the adaptation and evolution of orchids, dubbed the "pandas in plants."

Liu Kewei, an intern with the research group, was the first to notice the phenomenon. The group introduced the species to a local lab where the miraculous process was carefully observed and confirmed.

Liu Zhongjian said his cooperation with Huang, leader of the research group, started long before this project and said that their new research on lilies could be published early next year.

Nature is one of the oldest and most reputable scientific journals, first published in 1869. Although most scientific journals are now highly specialized, Nature is idiosyncratic in still publishing original research articles across a wide range of scientific fields.

The research by Shenzhen scientists is so far the fifth published in the journal by Chinese scientists this year.

Editor: Wing